Supertram bosses “will not rush” to reopen Sheffield route closed by mineshaft
“We will not rush the reopening of the line if doing so could compromise the long-term resilience of the network”
Supertram bosses have explained why they “will not rush” to reopen a major Sheffield route and responded to questions about an easy fix.
Readers proposed solutions to get the Blue Line at Birley Lane up and running after a mineshaft was discovered under tracks in August.
The hole could be 180ft deep - big enough to swallow Nelson’s Column.
The closure has hit tens of thousands of shoppers, traders and commuters.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority officially took over control of the Supertram network in March 2024.
It brought the system back into public ownership when the previous 27-year operating contract with Stagecoach expired.
Supertram’s responses to the sinkhole discovery and disruption to tram services:
Why can't trams use the other track?
“We explored numerous options to minimise disruption for passengers and unfortunately investigations found the neighbouring track also sits within the area that could potentially be affected by the mineshaft.
Why not lay a large steel plate over the hole - which has been stable for 30 years. Why not fill the hole with rubble and cap it with concrete?
“We need to understand exactly what lies beneath the surface before deciding on a permanent solution. Simply filling the shaft with concrete could provide a short-term fix while creating longer-term problems.
“Engineers need to establish how the shaft connects to historic mine workings underground so it can be properly stabilised and secured.
“Due to the potential impact on underground water courses we also need to carefully consider the materials used when infilling the hole and seek approval from the relevant authorities prior to undertaking work.”
Is SYMCA in touch with the Coal Authority?
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) owns Supertram.
“We are currently in discussions with the Mining Remediation Authority and Environment Agency to secure the necessary approvals prior to infilling and capping the shaft.
“Safety remains our number one priority. We will not rush the reopening of the line if doing so could compromise the long-term resilience of the network.
Why was the hole not detected when tracks were laid in the 1990s?
“Historic mining records are not always complete, and some older shafts were never accurately mapped. We believe this shaft could date back to the mid-1800s and OS maps post 1950s show no evidence of any mine workings at this location.
“We have no records that indicate the shaft was known about during the construction of the network. The issue only came to light after changes were detected in the track support.”
Two more mineshafts are shown near tram tracks in the Birley area on the Mining Remediation Authority’s map - do they pose a risk?
“The locations shown on the attached maps are far enough from the tram tracks and do not present any concern to the operation of the network.”
SYMCA says further drilling is necessary before a structure can be built to support tram tracks. And there is no reopening date for now.